"With climate models pointing to an extreme El Niño, 2027 is likely to be even worse. The Commission’s Heating and Cooling Plan was initially expected in April, and then before summer. It is still missing. While not a legislative document, it is crucial for phasing out gas in heating and pushing Member States to plan for cooling. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen must appear before the European Parliament to present an updated plan that reflects the new reality of extreme heat. Instead of allowing European People’s Party leader Manfred Weber to continue blocking and diluting Europe’s climate ambition, the Commission must show leadership and put citizens’ safety ahead of partisan politics,” says Vula Tsetsi.
EGP Co-Chair Ciarán Cuffe adds: "President António Costa and the Irish Presidency must put climate action at the top of the Council agenda. The EU should tax the excess profits of major oil and gas companies in order to fund urgent climate adaptation and resilience measures. If no majority exists, the EU must be prepared to launch new joint borrowing. Internationally, while US President Donald Trump is leading a crusade against climate action, Europe must defend the Paris Agreement with vigour and rally partners around an ambitious global agenda."
